PYST 1: IB Security Assistant & MTS Official Paper - English Language (Held On: 23 March, 2023 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is "Chromotherapy is based on the fact that various lights have definitive energy bands and are linked to various organs of the body and can help to heal them."

Key Points

• Let's dive deeper into the grammatical structure of Option 2: Chromotherapy is based on the fact that various lights have definitive energy bands and are linked to various organs of the body and can help to heal them.
• "Chromotherapy is based on the fact that..." - This is the introductory clause for the sentence, setting up the subject matter (chromotherapy) and its underlying principle.
• "...various lights have definitive energy bands..." - This part of the sentence details the mechanism involved in the functioning of chromotherapy. It implies that particular lights have certain specific energy bands.
• "and are linked to various organs of the body..." - This continuation further explains that these various lights correlate to distinct organs in the human body. The use of "and" here connects this idea with the previous one, indicating that both occur concurrently.
• "...and can help to heal them." - Lastly, this segment implies the healing effect that chromotherapy may have on the organs of the body. The use of the second "and" connects this final result with the preceding set of actions - having energy bands and being linked to various organs.
• The sentence is grammatically correct as it possesses a clear structure, maintains subject-verb agreement, and uses conjunctions appropriately to link related ideas.
• Moreover, it avoids ambiguity, presenting the information about chromotherapy in a logical and easily understood manner.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The correct answer is "seldom".

Key Points

• The term "seldom" is an adverb, and, in the context of the sentence, it modifies the verb "disagree."
• Adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
• When an adverb modifies a verb, as in this case, it is explaining when, where, how, or to what degree the verb action occurs.
• "Seldom" is a type of adverb that is indicative of the frequency of an occurrence.
• Specifically, "seldom" indicates that something does not happen very often or only happens rarely.
• In the sentence, "Rajat and Sanjeev seldom disagree on trivial matters and seem to be excellent friends," the adverb "seldom" is telling us about the frequency of the verb "disagree."
• It's saying that Rajat and Sanjeev do not disagree very often — they rarely, or seldom, disagree.
• It thus helps to paint a more accurate picture of Rajat and Sanjeev's relationship, suggesting that the rarity of their disagreements is indicative of their excellent friendship.
• So, the role of the adverb "seldom" in this sentence is to provide more detail about how frequently (or in this case, infrequently) the action of the verb it's modifying — "disagree" — occurs.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Additional Information

• The options are:
• "trivial" - This is an adjective describing the noun "matters."
• "disagree" - This is a verb in the sentence. It is the action that Rajat and Sanjeev "seldom" execute.
• "excellent" - This is an adjective used to describe the noun "friends."

The correct answer is "(2)".

Key Points

• The sentence is:"Either my aunt or (1) / my cousin have (2) / the cookbook my (3) / uncle wrote. (4)"
• Here, the part that contains the error is "my cousin have".
• The error here is about subject-verb agreement.
• When we use "either/or" or "neither/nor" in a sentence, the verb should agree with the nearest subject.
• "My cousin" is a singular subject, therefore it requires a singular verb.
• The verb "have" is plural, so it does not match the singular subject "my cousin".
• So the correct sentence should be: "Either my aunt or my cousin has the cookbook my uncle wrote."

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The correct answer is "Itinerary".

Key Points

• Let's examine each option:
• "Arbitaraty" - This is not spelled correctly. The correct spelling is "arbitrary."
• "Confidantial" - This is also spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is "confidential."
• "Itinerary" - This is spelled correctly. "Itinerary" is a planned route or journey.
• "Mandatery" - This is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is "mandatory."
• So, the correct answer is "Itinerary," which is spelled correctly.
• The word "itinerary" refers to a detailed plan or route of a journey.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The correct answer is "Studies in psychology show that an untroubled mind very soon becomes stagnant."

Key Points

• In English, a basic sentence needs to have a discernible structure that includes a subject, a verb, and often an object. Additionally, a sentence needs to communicate a complete thought.
• Breaking this sentence down, we can observe the following:
• "Studies in psychology" is the subject of the sentence. It demonstrates what we are talking about.
• "show" is the verb or the action word in the sentence. This verb is linking the subject "Studies in psychology" to the rest of the sentence, telling us what these studies do or demonstrate.
• The rest of the sentence, "that an untroubled mind very soon becomes stagnant," works as the object in this sentence.
• It's the thing or idea that the verb is acting upon. This part is a dependent clause using 'that' as a conjunction to create cohesion in the sentence. The clause explains what the "studies in psychology" show.
• So the entire sentence is saying, quite clearly and logically, that according to psychological studies, an untroubled (or undisturbed or unchallenged) mind can quickly become stagnant, or inactive and unchanging.
• The sentence is grammatically correct, structured logically, and conveys a complete and coherent thought.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The correct answer is "(4)".

Key Points

• In general, there are two ways to report someone's words: direct speech and indirect (or reported) speech.
• In direct speech, we simply repeat the exact words someone said.
• These words are enclosed in inverted commas (also known as quotation marks) to show they are someone else's exact words.
• For example:
• He said, "I am going to the library."
• Here, "I am going to the library" is exactly what the person said, and it is enclosed within inverted commas.
• On the other hand, in indirect or reported speech, we convey the same information but in our own words and without using quotation marks.
• The sentence typically needs to be adjusted for changes in tense, pronouns, and words indicating time and place.
• Using the previous example, the indirect form of this would be: He said that he was going to the library.
• From the above explanation it is clear that the given sentence is in direct narration. So the sentence will be enclosed by inverted commas.
• The correct sentence will be: The headmaster said to the student, “Yes, you may come in."

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The correct answer is "Atheist".

Key Points

• Let's go through each option and find the correct one:
• Atheist - An atheist is someone who does not believe in God or gods.
• They reject or lack the belief in the existence of deities.
• This matches the description of 'A person who does not believe in there being any God.'
• Pantheist - A pantheist is a person who believes that God is not a personality, but that all laws, forces, manifestations, etc. of the self-existing universe are God.
• Essentially, they believe that God is all, and all is God. This does not match our description.
• Antipathy - This is not a person but a noun representing a deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion.
• This cannot represent the group of words we are looking for.
• Antisocial - An antisocial person is a person who avoids social interaction or may act in a way that is contrary to society's norms.
• This term refers to social behavior, not to religious or spiritual beliefs, thus it doesn't fit the description 'A person who does not believe in there being any God.'
• In conclusion, the correct answer is "Atheist."
• The term 'atheist' refers to someone who specifically does not believe in the existence of any deity, aligning with the provided phrase 'A person who does not believe in there being any God.'

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The correct answer is "the".

Key Points

• Definite articles are used to specify or make clear references to particular instances of a noun, as opposed to indefinite articles ("a" and "an"), which are employed when making non-specific or general references.
• In the context of this sentence, we're referring to the Moon, a unique entity that orbits our planet, Earth.
• Given its unique status (as the only moon of Earth known to humans) and the globally shared understanding of which moon is being referred to when someone says "the Moon," the definite article "the" is the appropriate choice.
• If we were talking about any moon in a general sense, such as a moon of another planet, then we might use the indefinite article 'a.'
• However, in this context, we are referring specifically to the Earth's moon, which is a unique entity.
• That's why we say "the Moon" and not merely "a moon."
• So, the filled sentence correctly reads: "Today, man has reached the Moon and you still believe in superstitions?"

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2". 

Additional Information

• "an" - This is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, and it's incorrect to use "an" before "moon."
• "a" - This is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.
• It's used to refer to a non-specific or non-particular entity of a group or class.
• However, considering that we have one specific moon in the context of Earth, this is not a correct choice.

The correct answer is "Numismatist". 

Key Points

• Let's go through each option:
• "Coinologist" - This term does not exist. There is no specific term called "coinologist" in English to denote a collector of coins.
• "Philatelist" - A philatelist is a person who collects or studies stamps. Therefore, this term does not fit the description of a collector of coins.
• "Numismatist" - A numismatist is a person who collects or studies money (and coins in particular). This term accurately represents a collector of coins.
• "Philanthropist" - A philanthropist is someone who seeks to promote the welfare of others, typically by the generous donation of money to good causes. This term doesn't fit the context in reference here.
• Therefore, the correct single-word substitution for "a collector of coins" is "Numismatist".
• Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects, and a person engaged in these activities is known as a numismatist.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The correct answer is "Livelihood".

Key Points

• Let's discuss each option for the idiom "bread and butter":
• Livelihood - This option is the most suitable interpretation of "bread and butter" when used as an idiom.
• This phrase often refers to the main source of income, the work that someone relies on to make the money they need to live or survive.
• Simplicity - Although bread and butter themselves are simple, everyday items, when used as an idiom, "bread and butter" does not specifically refer to the concept of simplicity.
• Food - While 'bread and butter' are indeed types of food, as an idiomatic phrase, this meaning doesn't hold.
• Basic understanding - This interpretation does not coincide with the idiom 'bread and butter.'
• The phrase doesn't relate to knowledge or comprehension but more to a person's means of earning a living.
• In conclusion, "Livelihood" is the most accurate interpretation of the idiom "bread and butter."
• As an idiom, it's often used to express the idea of a job or activity that provides one with a steady income, not merely the food items bread and butter themselves.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The correct answer is "eat; your; from".

Key Points

• The filled sentence with option 1 "eat; your; from" is: 
• "After you eat a meal or a snack, your pancreas releases more insulin to make sure the extra glucose in your bloodstream can enter your cells. If you have more glucose than you need, your body can remove the excess from your blood and store it in your liver and muscles or convert it to fat."
• Here's why each chosen word is correct:
• "eat" - This term, referring to the consumption of food, fits most naturally in the sentence.
• The other possible verbs ("devour", "consume", "gobble") can also mean to eat, but they have additional connotations (eating heartily, quickly or a lot) that aren't necessary for the process being described.
• "your" - This is the correct possessive pronoun to use when referring to someone's own cells.
• The use of “your” naturally relates the cells to the person who has eaten the meal or snack, maintaining the sentence's coherence.
• "from" - This preposition appropriately establishes that excess glucose is removed "from your blood."
• Together, these words most accurately present the biological process that occurs after eating.
• The subject is the person eating ("you"), and the objects of the sentence—the cells, the pancreas, the insulin, and the glucose—all belong to that person, which justifies the use of the possessive pronoun "your".
• This sentence accurately and clearly explains a physiological response to eating food.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The correct answer is "constant". 

Key Points

• The word "fleeting" is an adjective that means lasting for a very short time or brief.
• It's used to describe things that occur quickly and then disappear or are over.
• The word "constant," on the other hand, means persisting over time, without interruption, or staying the same.
• It implies something stable, unchanging, or enduring.
• Thus, "constant" serves as an ideal antonym for "fleeting."
• While "fleeting" communicates transience or briefness, "constant" communicates continuity or permanence, making these terms opposites in terms of the duration they represent.
• In the context of the sentence "Tarana needs __________(fleeting) attention: she is such a spoilt, fussy woman," the word "constant" suggests that Tarana requires ongoing, steady attention, which is the opposite of needing only brief or fleeting attention.
• Therefore, "constant" effectively contrasts the meaning of "fleeting" and correctly fills in the blank as an antonym of "fleeting."

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Additional Information

• "same" - This term is not synonymous with "fleeting," but nor is it its antonym.
• "Fleeting" refers to something brief or quick, while "same" refers to the quality of being identical or consistent.
• "flexible" - "Flexible" does not function as an antonym for "fleeting".
• It refers to a quality of adaptability or versatility, rather than a measurement of time.
• "varying" - "Varying" suggests changeability, which is also not the antonym for "fleeting".

The correct answer is "Cortege".

Key Points

• "Cortege" - This word is indeed a one-word substitute for "a slowly moving line of people or cars at a funeral."
• The term specifically refers to a procession of mourners at a funeral or the vehicles in such a procession.
• So the sentence would read: "Finally, Mr. Yuvraj Narsinghani passed by the cortege."

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Additional Information

• "Caravan" - Normally refers to a group of traveling people and vehicles, riverboats, etc., moving together.
• It doesn't specifically signify a funeral context.
• "Posse" - It usually suggests a group gathered together for a particular purpose, often related to law enforcement.
• This doesn't directly relate to a funeral procession.
• "Procession" - 'Procession' is a general term for people or vehicles moving along in an orderly way, but it does not specifically imply a funeral.

The correct answer is "an;an". 

Key Points

• In English, we use "a" and "an" before singular, countable nouns.
• The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the sound that begins the next word.
• "an" - We use this article before words where the first letter has a vowel sound.
• So, before "army," the correct article is "an" because "army" starts with a vowel sound.
• "a" - We use this article before words where the first letter has a consonant sound.
• When we read "M.B.A.," the first letter "M" is pronounced "em," which begins with a vowel sound, but we read "M.B.A." as an initialism—it's spoken by saying each letter separately (em-bee-ay), as opposed to an acronym like NASA, which is spoken like a word.
• So the first sound we hear when we say "M.B.A." is "em," which is a vowel sound.
• So, the grammatically correct sentence would be: "Suman’s father is an army brigadier whereas her sister is an M.B.A."

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The correct answer is "Cultivated". 

Key Points

• Let's examine each option:
• "Conspicuous" - This term generally means something easily visible or noticeable; it doesn't directly refer to manners or refinement, so it's not an antonym of "uncouth," which refers to a lack of good manners, refinement, or grace.
• "Barbaric" - This describes behavior that is savage, cruel, or inhuman.
• This is closer to a synonym, rather than an antonym, for "uncouth."
• "Cultivated" - This word refers to something or someone refined, cultured, or well-educated.
• This is clearly an antonym of "uncouth," which describes someone who is lacking in sophistication, refinement, or manners.
• "Covered" - This word generally means something concealed or protected; it has no direct opposite link with "uncouth."
• Therefore, the most accurate antonym for "uncouth" from the given options is "Cultivated".
• In detail, "uncouth" refers to being awkward, clumsy, or lacking in sophistication or good manners.
• It often characterizes an individual who is uncultured, crude, or rough.
• Conversely, "cultivated" refers to a person who is well-educated, mannered, polished, and shows sophistication.
• It represents an individual who has been trained or influenced, often in terms of manners and taste, suggesting a refined and socially comfortable nature.
• This makes "cultivated" a suitable antonym for "uncouth".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The correct answer is "bring". 

Key Points

• The correct form of the verb to use in the sentence is "bring".
• ​The full sentence reads, "I did not bring the laptop with me, so I cannot update the file."
• This is because the sentence is written in the past tense using the auxiliary verb (or "helper verb") "did".
• When "did" is used in the past simple tense, it's usually coupled with the base form of the main verb.
• Here, "bring" is the base form of the main verb.

So, the correct answer is "Option 3". 

Additional Information

• "had brought" is past perfect tense, used for actions completed before a point in the past. This doesn't fit here.
• "bringed" is not correct English. The correct past tense of bring is brought.
• "brought" is the past tense form of "bring" and cannot be used with "did".
• ​It would make the sentence "I did not brought", which is grammatically incorrect.

The correct answer is "to". 

Key Points

• The correct preposition to fill in the blank is "to".
• "We are not oblivious to the dangers that lie in our path."
• Explanation: Prepositions are connecting words in English that typically describe two things: time (when something happened) and place (where something is).
• They can also denote a relationship between different entities in a sentence.
• In this sentence, we are stating that "we" (the subject) are not unaware of (or oblivious to) the dangers.
• When the word 'oblivious' is used in English, the preposition that typically follows it is 'to'.
• The phrase 'oblivious to' means 'unaware of' or 'not conscious of'.
• So the correct form of the sentence is: "We are not oblivious to the dangers that lie in our path."

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Additional Information

• As for the other options:
• "on" would be used to denote something is on top of a surface or to indicate a manner or state.
• It is not typically used to show awareness or recognition.
• "at" is used to point towards a specific target.
• It is not typically used to show awareness or recognition.
• "from" is used to denote separating or removing something.
• Again, it is not typically used with 'oblivious'.

The correct answer is "Discripancy". 

Key Points

• The correct spelling should be "Discrepancy".
• Spelling errors can occur for numerous reasons, including unfamiliarity with a word's proper spelling, typographical errors, or a lack of attention to detail.
• Let's evaluate each option:
• "Florid" is correctly spelled. It's an adjective that means excessively ornate or intricate.
• "Discripancy" is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is "Discrepancy", which is a noun meaning an inconsistency or a lack of compatibility between two or more facts.
• "Emulate" is correctly spelled. It's a verb that means to match or try to surpass typically by imitation.
• "Insular" is correctly spelled. As an adjective, it can mean ignorant of or indifferent to cultures outside one's own experience, or it can refer to something characteristic of an isolated community.
• So, the word "Discripancy" is incorrectly spelled - the actual spelling should be "Discrepancy".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The correct answer is '4' i.e. “My name,” replied the lady, “is the same as my mother’s.” .

Key Points

• In direct speech, a comma is placed inside the quotation marks before the reporting clause.
• The reporting clause “replied the lady” is separated by commas on both sides.
• The possessive form “mother’s” requires an apostrophe + s to show possession.
• Therefore, option 4 follows both correct punctuation and correct possessive form.

Correct sentence: “My name,” replied the lady, “is the same as my mother’s.”

Additional Information

• Option 1: Missing comma after lady and incorrect possessive form mothers’.
• Option 2: Missing comma after lady and lacks possessive apostrophe in mother.
• Option 3: Missing comma after “My name” and incorrect possessive form mothers.

The correct answer is "half a loaf is better than nore". 

Key Points

• The most suitable proverb to fill in the blank is "half a loaf is better than none."
• The full sentence says, "Aryan should be happy with the job he got after struggling without an income for five years, and not complain about the low salary. After all, half a loaf is better than none."
• Proverbs are traditional sayings that express a perceived truth based on common sense or experience.
• They are often used for conveying lessons or morals.
• Let's analyze which one fits the context best:
• "it is better to be safe than sorry": This means it's better to be careful and take precautions rather than face consequences later. This doesn't fit the context as it doesn't convey being grateful for what you have.
• "a rolling stone gathers no moss": This means if one keeps moving and doesn't settle, they avoid responsibilities or commitments. This doesn't fit because it doesn't suggest appreciating what one has even if it’s not what one desired.
• "half a loaf is better than none": This means it's better to have something, even if it's less than you would like, than having nothing at all. This proverb fits the situation in the sentence where Aryan should appreciate the job he got even though it doesn't pay as much as he desired.
• "the early bird gets the worm": The idea behind this phrase is that people who make an effort to start earlier are more likely to succeed. This doesn't fit as it does not suggest being thankful for what one has.
• Therefore, the most suitable proverb for the given context is: "half a loaf is better than none."
• It aligns with the idea that Aryan should be grateful for the job he has, even if it’s not what he desired initially.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".